Karen Elson, the singer
British supermodel Karen Elson, who is married to Jack White of The White Stripes, just launched a singing career and is part of a budding “slashie” movement (model/…). Historically, once established in one area of entertainment, it’s notoriously difficult for women to cross over into another. This is especially true for models, whose other talents such as singing and acting tend to not be taken seriously by the masses. Modeling is the very definition of a superficial art, and people mistakenly perceive it as if there is no skill involved. But models are far from talentless.
- Lily Cole delivered a beautiful performance in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
- Devon Aoki was brilliant as a deadly assassin in Sin City.
- Mila Jovovich may have failed to cross over into music with her album Divine Comedy in 1993, but went on to have a smashingly successful career acting starring in, most notably, The Fifth Element and Resident Evil.
- Vanessa Paradis had a couple of hits in the 80s and early 90s. She is Johnny Depp’s girlfriend.
- Alt model Raquel Reed also recently released a music video for her song, Fast Lane.
And of course, there’s been plenty of actresses who rocked the mic:
- Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus, Ashlee Simpson, Jenifer Lopez and Lindsay Lohan all had Top 40 hits.
- Scarlett Johansson recorded an album “Anywhere I Lay My Head” in 2008. (I wasn’t a fan, but kudos for doing it!)
- Gwyneth Paltrow recorded a duet with Huey Lewis, “Cruisin” – this one you still actually hear on the radio!
- Kirsten Dunst suddenly turned Japanese.
Deerlings: What do you think, should models and actresses stick to what they are known for, or did you like their other projects? Why do you think it’s so hard to cross over?
Juliette Lewis!!! I’m not so sure about her music myself, but she is a great actress and she’s certainly made a name for herself in the music world. I think she’s done pretty well at crossing over.
I think it’s unfair when models try and break into something else – people assume that because they’ve been models then they must be stupid, which is so close minded it makes me so cross :)
I think a big reason for possible cross over failures is this: We, the public, are jealous of their fame. We don’t think it is fair. If they get to be a super model or an actress or a singer why do they need to be anything else. Most of us don’t get the chance to be even one of those things. I think we perceive these models/actresses/musicians as being greedy and hogging the fame stage. The sad truth seems to be, there is only so much room for women super stars.
We should probably do something to change this.
Chelsea..number 2! Reply:
April 14, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Oh hi other Chelsea! I kind of agree with you. I actually didn’t realize that people though models were “too stupid” to cross over, I was always under the impression that everyone was able to cross under relatively easy because of their fame. I’ll admit I was quite jealous and felt it was unfair when “Lizzie McGuire” and the “little girl from parent trap” were able to be both actresses at a young age, and because of that fame as an actress – could be singers, could have access to nice recording studios, voice teachers if needed, etc. Should it change? Maybe! But I think people should do it because it’s what they truly want to not, and not just do it because they have the money to do so.
Gabi Reply:
April 15, 2010 at 4:07 am
I really liked your response. People do think life should be fair but that is such a tragic misconception. Everyone does not have the same abilities to put into action and to deny this is to court frustration and a lowering of standards to strive towards in general.
Everyone is not beautiful, smart, courageous, flexible, athletic etc etc. And everyone is not lucky to be born with certain advantages.
We see this in schools that insist that no one is smarter or better at something than someone else, an attempt to leveling of the playing field, which is never level anyway.
Rhia Reply:
April 15, 2010 at 5:12 pm
That’s a really interesting thought
I think most models, actresses, and singers are just programmed to be in the lime light. Some people are just wired that way; it’s how they shine. Variety is the spice of life and I see no reason we should deny anyone, esp models, the opportunity to explore all the avenues open to them simply cuz they are already successful or famous.
The world just would not be the same without Milla J in movies, Miley on the stage, and I don’t know bout you, but Kirsten’s Turning Japanese video just pleases me to my ooey gooey center.
I wish other talents were as widely acknowledged and revered as those of the model/actress/singer. There are , after all, an infinite number of ways to be beautiful.
A problem with the many crossover attempts is that we do not see them as successful. Many celebs struggle to make the transition from being a success in one field to being a success in another, and as a result, many people do not take them seriously because it seems more like they are trying to keep their fame going than focus on what they are good at. While this is an unrealistic expectation (that people cannot be a success in more than one area), I have to agree with Chelsea when she said people are jealous and do not want to see others doing well even though they might aspire to similar goals.
I think if they have talent in other areas that they should showcase it, but if it is just an attempt to garner attention, they shouldn’t waste our time.
Lily Cole wasn’t only in the Imaginarium. She plays a cute nerd on the smash hit St. Trinnian’s School for Bad Girls! Must see it…
Sometimes it’s a success, everyone should do what he wants to and if he/she’s good at it,then why not?
if you don’t try – you’ll never know what’s better for you.
let’s take Miley(might be a bad example)
i like her voice, it’s unique and she sings pretty well, though i don’t consider her as a very good actress, THOUGH(!) she started with acting!
<3
I think if you have talent in more than one area you should go for it, despite what your main focus is at the moment. Are there some models and actresses that should just stick to acting, yeah, but that doesn’t meant it should have to apply to all of them.
For example, Kate Voegele got her music career in gear by playing a character on a television show.
I like the idea of celebrities having to be multi-talented again. In the 40s and 50s most actors, singers, dancers, and even models HAD to do other things to get good roles. That said, when I see current celebrities doing this, I want them to actually be good. I’m not too crazy about most actors turned pop singers because I feel like they cross over as kind of an afterthought, and I think that makes them lower quality. On the other hand, there are actors who seem like they’ve worked on their vocal ability and acting or modeling careers just as much. I think they do better. I’m not crazy about Glee (don’t kill me!) but I think the talent on the show is real. I’m even less crazy about High School Musical, but same deal. Most of the celebs who have crossed professions, I feel like they’re significantly less talented at the one they cross into. But again, I think multitalented people are awesome, and any actor, singer, model, whatever who can really make it in the other professions is awesome.
“Vanessa Paradis had a couple of hits in the 80s and early 90s. She is Johnny Depp’s beau.”
she is still HUGE in France, she had more than a “couple of hits”, Vanessa Paradis is/was a singer before being a model/actress….
I think you mean Vanessa is Johnny’s belle ;)
LOVE! Yes, i totally agree, how can you limit someone to just one thing? People are absolutely diverse, with so many passions, so many ideas, it would be totally injustice to put limits as we are taught to reach for the sky and dream high.
Hell, i’ll try a million things before i die, even if i fail, because i dont put limitations on my passions.
But…perhaps Kirsten Dunst should stick to acting haha…love the outfit though :hearts;
Another good example for that list of slashies is Zooey Deschanel. She is a brilliant actress, but as of two years ago, also formed a successful career in music with her band, She and Him.
Chelsea..number 2! Reply:
April 14, 2010 at 8:09 pm
looove Zooey! love her sister too, who also has a pretty good voice!
OH, she’s so beautiful <3
Of course people should try other things. Not just famous people, everyone should. It’s all part of the mosaic approach of life, right Doe?
I absolutely love that Japanese video with Kirsten Dunst. It’s awesomely kawaii lol ^_^
I think models as actresses are cool, but I’ve never found them to be spectacular or anything – just speaking honestly. I would love for there to be a true Renaissance model, but I’ve yet to truly be impressed…
As for the actress-turned-singer thing, I think a lot of them get an unfair push of fame to initially boost their popularity, while so many other artists have to work a lot more to get to that stage. I mean, yeah, I’m all for using what connections you’ve got, but seriously, if you can’t sing, you aren’t going to last much longer than that Top 40 hit. (I’ll be honest and say I do not like any of those actress/singers.)
And not just models, but anyone: being “good” at singing/acting does not equal “talent”.
To be fair, there are plenty of models who live up to the stereotype of being stupid or superficial.
But then there are models like, say, the late Daul Kim, who were/are intelligent people.
And I think the reason people look down on modeling as a superficial trade is that that is exactly what it is. Of course, they have to work hard at maintaining their beauty, not to mention all the work involved in the actual fashion business, but that’s how it is for everyone – you work hard to get somewhere. So what I think a lot of people have a problem with modeling is that there is no perceived “talent” in it, that is, in the sense of “genius” as there is in the arts and sciences.
As for me, if you’ve got it, rock it… while you can.
I think if people have talents, they should use them. IF THEY ACTUALLY HAVE TALENT. Trying to sing because you think “Oh I can act, so I can sing too” when you sounds like a dying cat is just painful.
Frankly, not trying to upset anyone, I don’t feel the modeling is a talent. Not to say models are talentless, but the actual act of modeling in my opinion is.
I “model” (if you can call it that) for pictures when I cosplay, but the talent in the final product is my talent in making the cosplay, and the photographer’s talent in making the final picture look good.
Actually, I think that celebrity actresses already have one foot in the door of the music industry or whatever else they desire to do (like launch a jewelry line), more so than “ordinary” people because they’re already famous. They can automatically generate publicity, and get record deals. I feel like too many “it” girls and celebrities make a debut in the music scene just because “making an album” is something they’ve always wanted to do, that they can cross off their list, and they have the power to. They may be labeled by their acting career or what they did previously, but they still have more opportunity than almost any other people out there.
I don’t think models and actresses should just be elbowed out of serious consideration for their music, but it also depends on what they do, their style, and how they present themselves. Like, I’m not going to be interested in Miley Cyrus’ music because I know it’s just the prepackaged, industry-produced, bubblegum crap that I don’t like. I would listen to them if they had a good singing voice and some creative part in the music, instead of letting big producers just crank out some songs for them because they want to try their hand at singing or because releasing a record is everyone’s dream.
Lily Cole is a lovely model, and a lovely actress. It’s not like I had any objections to her being in the film because of her being a model. I agree, she was great in Doctor Parnassus, and I’m looking forward to her role as Alice in Marilyn Manson’s “Phantasmagoria.”
I think overall we really do have a culture of “tall-poppy syndrome”, definitely in Australia. There is an amazing amount of resentment that comes around when people show how clever they are and often people go out of their way to bring them down. Like with a model, calling them shallow and stupid or calling actresses prima donnas or singers harlots. It’s a shame that people just can’t be happy for other talented people. It’s very hard to get successful without a significant amount of work, no matter how talented or fortunate in your circumstances you are.
I think because there have been so many unsuccessful crossover attempts, the public tends to be immediately wary of models or actresses turned singers. Even if she is talented, she is put under harsh criticism. Harsher then if she was in the music industry alone.
I also wonder if women are put under more unforgiving criticism then men making the crossover. Perhaps if a woman comes from a career such as modeling, they are immediately labeled us dumb or untalented because they use their looks to get by. Does the same thing happen to male singers or rappers who want to act? Or male actors who cut an album?
(On a side note, I certainly don’t think the world needed Kirsten Dunst to cover turning Japanese. Such a boring cover.)
She also co-owns a vintage shop here in Nashville.
I think everyone should feel free to experiment with different mediums.
Haha “slashie” like in Zoolander? Fabio won his “actor/model” award. I had to point that out :)
As long as LOTS of originality and passion goes into everything they do, it’s fine by me.
Turns out I can’t go to see you in London :-( i’m so upset about this. You have a wonderful time, though, Limey! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Famous people tend to be attention-seekers and rather self-loving. They are surrounded by assistants and PR people who constantly tell them how great they are because that’s where the paycheck is coming from. They are deluded into thinking that they can do anything, which is sometimes create a CD with zero musical talent. Few people are gifted one extraordinary talent, even fewer people have more than one.
Model Trish Goff was pretty amazing in a movie with Ally Sheedy called “Noise”. Her character is supposed to be haughty, cold and objectified by men so her modelishness fits with the role. Surprisingly good acting. She ‘s better in the role than most actresses who tend to emote a lot. Her detachment makes the movie
I do not mind someone crossing careers as long as they are good, original. A model/actor/singer, be it a man or a woman by the way, will get my attention if he or she is good, period.
I too want to see the return of the “triple threat” actor and actress who could do anything… like Hugh Jackman. *Sigh!*
i don’t mind as long as they are truly talented. to me, especially with some actresses it comes of as they’re just moving on to the next best thing. they don’t deep down inside seem to have a passion for music, nor are they very good at it. that’s why i think the music industry should more focus on people that have that raw talent instead of these actresses who are already established in something and just want more and more.
I’m impressed with anyone who puts forth an effort. I may not be impressed with their skill or success but I applaud anyone who has the guts to at least try.
Most “artists” are artistic in many fields. Why should they not try?
If they can, yes they should. They’re lucky for they have the possibility of trying and above all, having fun. And I’ve never understood why people should stay in one career. We have only one life, we should do everthing we want :)
PS: Vanessa Paradis is still a singer star in France; she has made a best of and new songs (and really good songs) are played on french radios ♥ Actually, I didn’t know she used to be a model o_o
Heathre Reply:
April 15, 2010 at 11:01 pm
“If they can, yes they should. They’re lucky for they have the possibility of trying and above all, having fun. And I’ve never understood why people should stay in one career. We have only one life, we should do everthing we want :)”
I agree!
I gleefully admit that I love Milla Jovovich as a musician. I wish she’d release another album, but she just does small random projects and live shows. She’s probably pretty weird in person, but I think she’s quite creative and people don’t give her enough credit.
Sometimes it’s hard to cross over if they wanna do something they are not probably that good at .. I love Miley Cyrus but I have to say she’s a much better singer than actress. So maybe she should enjoy that fact and not turn the other way, as she is doing now.
Divine Comedy is still one of my favorite albums ever! I LOVE Milla!!!
How do people have time to be a slashie?
Vanessa Paradis isn’t a model. She’s a singer, actress sometimes. But she did commercials for Chanel though
Isn’t ike, every disney channel “star” doing music as well? Nick’s doing that too. They get a “famous” actress, like miey cyrus and selena gomez, and then make em singers too.
There’s nothing wrong with crossovers, but it’s really not necessary if the person can sing or act or model, and then try to do one of those other things, but have no talent in it. There’s already too many people that can’t sing or act, but try to do it anyway.
Wtf Kirsten Dunst….wtf…
No seriously….wtf was that?! I’m loling so hard…
When the industry is centred around having supermodel good looks to market music, it’s not wonder why a lot of models find success there. Personally I am not into that kind of music at all but if they are fulfilled from their endeavors then that’s great!
Oh wow, that Kirsten Dunst video is horrrrrible!!! And possibly racist. I haven’t decided yet.
I think very few do it successfully. A lot seem to think that their stardom will carry them over and it doesn’t mean they have talent in another area.
Good deal. I like Jennifer’s music a lot. It actually temped me when people say things like since she’s 40 she shouldnt make music anymore. Thats nonsense. Bring it J.Lo!
I think it totally depends. Because I like doing many different things: music, art, fashion ect. And if I had the opportunity to do all the things I love I’d be the happiest person ever.
But the problem is that some of these actors/models/singers and they crossover to another form of media..just because they can. The difference between me and them is I have a full blown passion for anything artistic and expressive. If I had the chance to do all those things I’d be happy doing two things I’m great at and a few things I’m pretty good at. But if I have no idea what I’m doing and I dont have a place for it in my heart, why should I bother doing it?
I only get mad when people try to come out with clothing lines/albums/purfume ect when it’s more then obvious that a team puts this together for them and they just slap their name on it. If you dont put your heart and soul into it, please, don’t bother. I just dont want to see celebs have all these great opportunites only to totally take it for granted. Such a waste because other creative people and myself with not a lot of money would love to do even half of the shit they get to do.
I have a strong belief that you only live once so why not? I think if a model or actress wants to pursue music or develop some other skills then they have the right. Some may not have the talent for it but some do. MOre power to them.
Grace Jones actually started out as a model (and was friends with Jerry Hall).
Amanda Lear and Nico were both models as well.
Although Bijou Phillips got her start as a model she’s perhaps best known now as an actress and her album is one of my all-time favourites.
Admittedly there have been some models whose singing careers were doubtful (*cough Naomi Campbell*) but equally there are some very lucky ladies out there who just happen to be beautiful and multi-talented.
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